Buzz
Lavender oil is highly valued not only for its delicate and refined fragrance but also for its ability to reduce inflammation on irritated skin or insect bites, aid in sleep, or serve as a soothing massage oil. Lavender-infused oil or balm is an excellent choice for home extraction due to its simplicity, flexibility in the amount of flowers used, and immediate usability. While creating pure lavender essential oil is possible, the process is more complex, yields minimal output, and typically requires dilution with another oil for safe use.
Steps
Making Lavender Oil
Harvest fresh lavender or purchase dried flowers. Start by cutting the stems about 15 cm or longer. Remove the tough lower stems but keep the leaves and upper stems, which can be infused along with the flowers. Both buds and blossoms can be used for their distinct aroma.
- Prepare slightly more lavender than needed, as insufficient fragrance in the final product won’t require waiting for another batch of dried flowers.
Dry the flowers. If using fresh lavender, dry the flowers in a shaded area or wrap them in cloth to enhance their fragrance and prevent the oil from developing an unpleasant odor. Tie the stems and hang the bundle upside down in a warm, dry place. While sunlight speeds up drying, it can damage the essential oils. Fresh lavender takes about two weeks to dry completely. Some prefer to dry the flowers for just a few days until they wilt, which reduces but doesn’t eliminate the risk of spoilage.
Crush the flowers and place them in a jar. Gently crush the flowers with clean hands or use a heavy object to release their oils. If using buds, separate them by hand or with a sharp knife. Transfer all the flowers to a clean jar.
- Ensure your hands and jar are washed and dried before handling the flowers, as water can interfere with the infusion process.
Pour oil over the flowers. Use any mild or unscented oil, filling the jar until the flowers are fully submerged but leaving about 1.25–2.5 cm of space at the top. Common choices include almond oil, olive oil, and safflower oil, as their subtle scents won’t overpower the lavender.
Infuse the flowers if you have time and sunlight. Seal the jar tightly and place it in direct sunlight. The mixture will develop a noticeable fragrance after at least 48 hours and is typically infused for three to six weeks. If sunlight or time is limited, proceed to the next step.
If sunlight and time are insufficient, carefully heat the mixture. A faster alternative to sun infusion is to heat the lavender oil mixture in a double boiler for 2–5 hours at a steady temperature of 38–49ºC. Use this method only if you have a cooking thermometer and can maintain a low, controlled temperature, as excessive heat can compromise the fragrance and shelf life of the oil.
Strain the oil. Place a thin cloth over a bowl and pour the oil mixture through it to separate the flower remnants.
Repeat the process for a stronger fragrance. You can pour the oil back into the jar with a fresh batch of lavender flowers. Follow the same steps, either sun-infusing or heating at a low temperature, to create a more aromatic oil. This process can be repeated up to eight times to achieve a richly scented lavender oil.
Add a few drops of vitamin E (optional). Incorporate a few drops of vitamin E to extend the oil's shelf life. This is particularly useful if you cannot store the oil in a cool, dark place or if the oil used is nearing its expiration. Add the drops directly or puncture a vitamin E capsule and mix it gently into the oil.
Store the oil in a dark-colored bottle or jar. Squeeze the remaining oil from the straining cloth into the bowl. Transfer the oil into an opaque glass or plastic container to preserve its fragrance by avoiding sunlight exposure. The shelf life of the infused lavender oil depends on the type and freshness of the oil used but typically lasts several months when stored in a cool, dark place.
Making Lavender Balm or Pain-Relief Salve from Lavender Oil
First, follow the steps above to create lavender-infused oil. This method will guide you in making a pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory balm using lavender-infused oil. Begin by preparing the oil yourself or purchasing it from a herbal store.
Grate the beeswax using a knife or cheese grater. Use an inexpensive grater, as beeswax is difficult to clean. Estimate the required amount before grating. You’ll need roughly 1 part beeswax to 8 parts oil. Adjust the quantity for a firmer or softer balm.
- If buying beeswax by weight, use conversion formulas: 1 ounce of beeswax = 1 fluid ounce = 1/8 cup = 28 grams.
Heat the beeswax and oil at a low temperature. Add the grated beeswax to a pan, pour in the lavender-infused oil, and heat gently until the mixture melts together. This takes about 15 minutes. Stir with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant tool, preferably one you no longer need, as beeswax is hard to clean.
Pour the mixture into containers. Transfer the melted wax blend into clean, dry glass or tin containers and seal them tightly.
Let the mixture cool and solidify. After refrigerating for 10–15 minutes or leaving it in a cool place for 30 minutes, check if the balm has set. If it’s too soft or hard, reheat and adjust by adding more beeswax for firmness or more oil for softness.
Clean the pot and tools. Heat the pot with dish soap until all the beeswax dissolves, then turn off the heat and let it cool slightly. Wear rubber gloves to scrub the pot’s interior while the soapy water is still warm. Rinse the stirring tools with warm water after turning off the heat. Use a stiff sponge or scrub brush to clean the pot and utensils.
Tips
- You can mix lavender with other herbs like witch hazel, mint, or citrus peels.
- Pure lavender essential oil (containing only the aromatic oil, not mixed with other oils) is typically extracted through steam distillation.
- Place a layer of wax paper between the jar and its lid to prevent rubber or other materials from affecting the oil’s fragrance.
Warnings
- Avoid placing beeswax or oil near the stove, as they can easily scorch or ignite at high temperatures.
What You Need
For making lavender oil:
- Lavender buds, flowers, or leaves (or all three)
- A wide-mouthed jar with a tight lid
- Any mild-scented oil (enough to submerge the flowers)
- Sunlight or a double boiler
- A mixing bowl
- Straining cloth
- Dark glass bottle with a tight seal
For making lavender balm:
- Lavender-infused oil
- Beeswax
- A pot or pan
- Stirring tool
- Jar or tin container with a tight lid
